BJP-NC Coalition on the Horizon? A Potential Political Gamble in Jammu and Kashmir

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 A fresh twist has emerged in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by Republic TV today on October 4,2024 at around 5 PM. The news, which has stirred fresh debate, suggests the possibility of a BJP-NC (Bharatiya Janata Party-National Conference) coalition government following the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, set to be declared on October 8, 2024. Independent candidate Junaid Mattoo, contesting from the Zadibal constituency in Srinagar, has further fueled speculation with his claim that such an alliance is on the horizon. This has sparked intense curiosity and apprehension, given the historically conflicting ideologies of the two parties.

 

This development, broadcasted on a major national news channel, has only heightened the attention on this rumor, which once seemed too unlikely to consider. Given the magnitude of the claim, one must now seriously examine whether a BJP-NC coalition is not just possible, but whether it could bring any semblance of stability or benefit to the region.

 

With Republic TV airing this speculation, it brings into sharper focus the growing uncertainty about the election results and possible post-election alliances. As mentioned earlier, ideologically, BJP and NC stand at two ends of the political spectrum, with BJP advocating a nationalist, centralizing approach, and NC focusing on regional autonomy and the restoration of Article 370. Their differences have often played out in the public domain through heated exchanges. Yet, the mention of this potential coalition by Republic TV—and the fact that it has been highlighted by a political candidate—indicates that this is more than just political gossip.

 

There is precedence in Indian politics for such unexpected coalitions—when practicality and power-sharing override ideology. As seen in 2015, the BJP managed to align with the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) to form a government, despite their opposing views. Therefore, despite the ideological clashes, if electoral results bring forth a fractured mandate, the BJP and NC may well be pushed into a situation where a coalition becomes a necessity for Governance.

 

The timing of this rumor, just days before the election results, has undoubtedly increased public interest in how such a coalition could operate. With both Republic TV and Junaid Mattoo fueling this speculation, the question is whether these two political forces can collaborate for the sake of governance. The coalition would certainly have the potential to unify Jammu and Kashmir’s divided regions—Jammu, largely a BJP stronghold, and the Kashmir Valley, where NC retains significant influence.

 

However, the ideological rift could hinder decision-making. The BJP, aiming to cement its nationalistic agenda, and the NC, aiming to restore regional autonomy, are likely to clash on key policies, including security, regional integration, and autonomy. If not managed carefully, this could lead to administrative deadlock, where neither side is able to fully implement its agenda, causing frustration for both the political elite and the public.

 

The people of Jammu and Kashmir, weary from decades of political uncertainty, would likely be divided in their reception of a BJP-NC coalition. The skepticism, already visible through social media discussions following the Republic TV broadcast, is palpable. Kashmiri voters, who have long supported NC for its regional focus, might view the alliance with BJP as a betrayal of the party’s foundational values. This could result in mass disillusionment with the NC leadership, while the BJP could face backlash from its supporters in Jammu for diluting its hardline stance.

 

At the same time, the announcement of this potential coalition may come as a relief to some, particularly those who see this as a pragmatic step toward maintaining peace and ensuring governance in a state that has witnessed political chaos for years.

 

Republic TV’s airing of this potential alliance has also raised eyebrows nationally, as it presents a complex dilemma for the BJP’s image. As a party built on strong nationalistic rhetoric, particularly in its handling of Jammu and Kashmir, aligning with the NC could raise questions about its consistency and commitment to its ideological goals. The BJP’s narrative of ‘One Nation, One Law’ has been a central pillar of its political strategy, and compromising with NC could tarnish that image, leading to accusations of political opportunism from critics and opponents.

 

For the NC, a coalition with BJP, especially after the abrogation of Article 370, would be seen as an ideological capitulation that could erode its base in the Valley. The NC has long positioned itself as a defender of Kashmiri autonomy, and any partnership with the BJP would be viewed as a political surrender that might not sit well with its core electorate.

 

Should this coalition come to pass, both the BJP and NC will have to navigate the tricky terrain of balancing short-term governance needs with long-term political survival. For BJP, the alliance might offer a temporary foothold in the Valley, but at the cost of alienating its national and regional supporters. For NC, the compromise could lead to immediate political gains but cause irreparable damage to its credibility among the Kashmiri electorate.

 

The Republic TV broadcast has undoubtedly placed this issue in the public spotlight, making it clear that the stakes are extremely high for both parties. The coalition, while theoretically possible, is likely to be fraught with internal conflicts, posing a serious risk to stable governance in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the broader implications of this alliance—on governance, public perception, and the political health of both BJP and NC—remain uncertain, with potential long-term repercussions.

 

The possibility of a BJP-NC coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, fueled by Junaid Mattoo’s claim and Republic TV’s report, presents a perplexing scenario. While political expediency could drive such an alliance, its practical viability is questionable. The ideological rift between BJP and NC is deep and profound, and governing in such a fragile region will require more than mere political arithmetic. The consequences of such a coalition could range from governance paralysis to public backlash, with both BJP and NC facing long-term political risks.

 

In the immediate term, this rumored coalition has set the political stage on fire. Should it materialize, the next few years of governance in Jammu and Kashmir could be marked by frequent clashes, policy deadlocks, and rising public discontent, leading to further political uncertainty in the region. Whether this coalition, if formed, will hold together or collapse under the weight of its contradictions remains to be seen.

 

[ Kundan Kashmiri ]

Kashmir watcher & President Kashmiri Pandit Conference ( KPC )

kundankashmiri@gmail.com — Mobile No.880 2167955

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